Evolve Psychology Services Ltd

Evolve Psychology Services Ltd We have clinic locations in Harrogate, Huddersfield, Exeter, Norwich, Newcastle and Dublin. Independent Psychological Services.

We are an award winning NHS and HSE approved provider of Autism, ADHD and wider neurodevelopmental assessments as well as expert witness psychological assessments. Covering all areas of Clinical and Forensic Psychology- children, young people and adults. Services include Autism, ADHD, Learning Disability, Cognitive and Expert Witness Assessments. We also offer post diagnostic support for young people and families with a diagnosis of Autism as well as mental health services for both young people and adults. Contracted to provide NHS Autism and ADHD assessments on behalf of Kirklees CCG. Warm, welcoming Premises in Harrogate and Huddersfield

Registered with all major insurance providers

Gentle ways to support your child while you’re waiting...Waiting for a dyslexia assessment can feel like everything is o...
27/03/2026

Gentle ways to support your child while you’re waiting...

Waiting for a dyslexia assessment can feel like everything is on hold. Many parents tell us they’re unsure whether to step in - or whether doing too much might make things harder.
You don’t need to do everything at once. A few calm, optional steps can help you feel more grounded while you wait.

If it feels manageable, you might consider…
⭐Keeping light notes - jot down what you notice over time - how your child seems to be coping at school, areas they find tricky, and the things they do well. This doesn’t need to be detailed or formal.
⭐Letting school know where you are in the process - sharing that a referral is in place can help teachers understand the context and make small, supportive adjustments where possible.
⭐Talking to your child in a reassuring way - if questions come up, you can explain dyslexia positively - as a difference in how people learn, not a problem. Organisations like the British Dyslexia Association offer helpful, child-friendly ways to frame this.
⭐Sharing hopeful stories - books and videos about people with dyslexia can help children feel less alone and more confident about their strengths. Publishers such as Jessica Kingsley offer thoughtful resources.
⭐Staying connected - talking with friends or family who understand dyslexia, or are willing to learn, can make the waiting feel less isolating.

💡 There’s no right or wrong way to use this time. Even small steps can help your child feel supported while you wait.
If you’re looking for information about dyslexia or learning more about neurodiversity you can visit our resource hub here https://evolvepsychology.com/resources/dyslexia?topics=Dyslexia&audienceTypes=Dyslexia
Or learn more about dyslexia in our modules coming soon!

"Neurodiversity Celebration Week every March is a global initiative to raise awareness and appreciation of neurodiversit...
20/03/2026

"Neurodiversity Celebration Week every March is a global initiative to raise awareness and appreciation of neurodiversity, challenge stereotypes and encourage practical action in schools, workplaces and communities. It seems a good time to explain the thinking behind our new neurodiversity digital learning experiences for workplaces."

🔗 You can read our full blog 'Helping to create neuroinclusive workplaces' on our resource hub now - link in comments...

Check out our new YouTube video where a few of our clinicians answer some of the most commonly asked questions. 💬We cove...
19/03/2026

Check out our new YouTube video where a few of our clinicians answer some of the most commonly asked questions. 💬
We cover waiting times, adult diagnosis, post assessment feedback, common myths & fears and much more!

Find the video in the comments ... 🔗

At Evolve, it’s important for us to listen, learn, and recognise the lived experiences of neurodivergent people, includi...
18/03/2026

At Evolve, it’s important for us to listen, learn, and recognise the lived experiences of neurodivergent people, including those who discover their neurodiversity later in life.
This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re sharing the perspective of one of our Evolve team members as they talk about their own experience of neurodiversity.
For many adults, understanding neurodiversity can bring new insight into past experiences, strengths, and challenges.
Hearing personal stories can help others feel less alone as they begin exploring their own journey.

"For a long time, this little squirrel always knew she was different to other people I just never knew or understood why. On the outside I am a friendly, chatty, warm, inquisitive and down to earth person, but on the inside a person who always wanted to belong. My journey into a deeper understanding of my autism and ADHD came from attending neurodiversity conferences, because I wanted to understand how I could support individuals further with their strengths and differences..... and it was at this pivotal moment, that the pieces of the puzzle I longed to understand were piecing together. I felt more certainty that I ever did before but also worried that the mask I carried for a very long time was wavering but understanding the nature of masking helped me understand many things of my neurodivergent brain.... I have different ways of coping with things and that's just me... I love squirrels, daisies and owls, they bring a sense of enjoyment to my life and that's just me in a nutshell.

In a work place, I am very organised, caring, thorough but there is a fine line in understanding where your tolerance line actually is. And like a squirrel I am focussed but can become quite distracted by things... I can care too much because I want to be thorough and make a difference to everyone I meet. Carrying that responsibility can be tiring in any role we have in life... we always want to do the right thing, by the right person and at the right time... So supportive ways around this is knowing who you can talk to at work and in your personal life... For others to make small accommodations where necessary so that you feel understood and your unique ways of navigating your life is validated... At work I have a colour coding system to keep me organised, I always use supervision peer support and calming music that keeps me regulated throughout the day. At home, having people in your corner to help you understand... whether it be family, friends, carers, neighbours, siblings, and your own spirituality can make a difference....it make take longer for others to understand you but that's okay... it is a journey...for everyone!

My advice to anyone thinking or going for an assessment is to embrace the process, is do not be scared, I understand why that would be the case, some people often wonder, "is it just me"... You know you better than anyone... and speaking from experience, knowing is more powerful than not knowing... even if it is or is not the outcome you expected, the journey of a deeper understanding of your strengths and differences is important... and you will learn more about ways of coping, learn more about yourself and a sense of relief in a way that you feel validated and understood. There is a team of professionals who are key drivers in supporting you within your neurodevelopmental assessment. If one thing I took a way from my own journey is I am neurosparkle... I embrace my new me and it can be scary but also brilliant! You will be absolutely fine, be yourself because it's your time to shine...like the stars in the night sky."

Rob came to Evolve for an adult autism assessment after years of reflecting on his experiences and wanting a clearer und...
17/03/2026

Rob came to Evolve for an adult autism assessment after years of reflecting on his experiences and wanting a clearer understanding, not only for himself but to better understand his neurodivergent daughter. After his assessment, he received a diagnosis of autism.

In our conversation, Rob shared why he decided to pursue a diagnosis later in life, what the process was like for him, and the benefits he found in gaining that clarity. 🧠
Rob also talked about his successful career as a police officer. While his diagnosis came later in life, he explained that the structure and routine of the role helped him navigate his working life without his autism significantly impacting his career.
For many adults, seeking a diagnosis isn’t about changing who they are. It’s about understanding themselves and loved ones more fully and making sense of experiences that may not have had an explanation before.

Rob’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn more about how your mind works. 💚

To hear more about Rob's story, make sure you're following us 🤝

When behaviour at school is being labelled “naughty”Many parents come to us after their child has been labelled “naughty...
16/03/2026

When behaviour at school is being labelled “naughty”

Many parents come to us after their child has been labelled “naughty,” disruptive, or disengaged, often at the point where school pressure is increasing and meetings are becoming more frequent.
When behaviour at school is described as “naughty,” clinicians usually aren’t thinking bad behaviour. We’re thinking: something is hard here.
Behaviour is communication. It’s one of the main ways children show us what they need - particularly when they’re overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to explain what’s going on.
Most behaviour is about either getting something (comfort, attention, control, sensory relief, a preferred activity) or getting away from something (overwhelm, anxiety, confusion, discomfort, or potential embarrassment.)

From this perspective, behaviour that’s causing concern at school is often a signal, not a choice. Children aren’t being difficult for the sake of it - they’re showing us that something in the environment, expectations, or demands isn’t working for them right now.
Behaviours like acting out, shutting down, or becoming the class clown aren’t always about defiance. For some children, they’re signs of frustration, overwhelm, or unrecognised learning differences such as dyslexia or other forms of neurodivergence.

Sometimes the challenge might be:
• Sensory overload
• Anxiety or worry
• Too many demands at once
• Sudden changes
• A skill they haven’t yet developed

When this is the case, punishment or loss of break time rarely helps. What often makes a difference is:
• Time to process information without pressure
• Opportunities to regulate and recharge
• Support that matches how a child learns - not just what’s expected of them

Rather than asking “How do we stop this behaviour?” clinicians are more likely to ask:
“What’s driving it, and how can we support this child more effectively?”
The goal isn’t to ignore behaviour or excuse it, but to help children learn safer, more workable ways to get their needs met, because those needs are usually reasonable.

This way of thinking aligns with Dr Ross Greene’s well-known phrase: “Kids do well if they can.”
When a child isn’t coping at school, it doesn’t mean they won’t behave, it means they can’t yet, or that the situation is asking more than they’re able to manage right now.
That isn’t a parenting failure.
And it isn’t a child being “bad.”
It’s a sign that more understanding, adjustment, or support is needed.

Looking beyond labels helps shift school conversations away from blame and punishment, and towards problem-solving - creating changes that actually help children feel safer, more understood, and more able to succeed.

If behaviour concerns are escalating and you’re being asked to act, gaining clarity can help schools respond differently and more effectively.

If you are considering beginning your neurodevelopmental assessment journey, you can access this through NHS Right to Choose or the private pathway at: https://evolvepsychology.com/services/autism/for-children/what-to-expect-at-an-assessment

Today marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week - a time to recognise and celebrate the many different ways peo...
16/03/2026

Today marks the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week - a time to recognise and celebrate the many different ways people think, learn, and experience the world.

Whether you’re a parent supporting a child, waiting for answers, exploring a diagnosis for yourself, or already diagnosed or self-identified, your experiences matter - and they deserve to be understood.

Throughout the week we’ll be sharing information, perspectives, and conversations to help build greater understanding around neurodiversity.
We’ve also created some FREE resources you can download using the link in our comments.

Because neuroinclusion starts with awareness, education, and collaboration.

"If you are an individual questioning whether you are neurodivergent or a parent wondering if this explains some of your...
13/03/2026

"If you are an individual questioning whether you are neurodivergent or a parent wondering if this explains some of your child’s behaviours, you might be exploring how to access an assessment for autism and/or ADHD and what the assessment would involve.
So, here is our guide to the diagnostic assessment process.

There are two main routes to assessment with Evolve
Right to Choose, via the NHS
Privately funded"

🔗 You can read our full blog 'The diagnostic assessment process: a step-by-step guide to the assessment journey with Evolve' on our resource hub now - https://evolvepsychology.com/resources/autism/the-diagnostic-assessment-process

09/03/2026

'Cherrida Crew, team lead for specific learning difficulties at Evolve, says: ‘Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence, and occurs across a range of abilities, but early recognition leads to swifter intervention and more positive outcomes. Importantly, there are steps that both adults and children can take so that spelling, reading, writing and processing becomes easier. This includes calling on assistive technology to help them overcome the barriers of dyslexia,’'

Read more at: link.edgepilot.com/s/409ddc07/b_tfltB4iUSAG1dwxQhiuA?u=https://www.rightstartonline.co.uk/news/flagging-up-dyslexia

International Women’s Day - wishing for greater parity for neurodivergent womenAs well as being a moment to celebrate wo...
08/03/2026

International Women’s Day - wishing for greater parity for neurodivergent women

As well as being a moment to celebrate women’s achievements, International Women’s Day (8 March 2026) is also a time to reflect on gender disparity.

This is stark within the area of neurodivergency. Autism and ADHD in women are so often missed, due to the way identifying and supporting neurodivergent people is dominated by the “male template,” when these conditions show up quite differently in females.

You can read our full blog: ‘International Women’s Day - our wish is for greater parity for neurodivergent women’ on our resource hub now - https://evolvepsychology.com/resources/autism/internationalwomensday

We're at today for our annual UK conference!It's great to see so many of our colleagues come together to talk about all...
06/03/2026

We're at today for our annual UK conference!

It's great to see so many of our colleagues come together to talk about all things Evolve 💚

Today we'll be doing some team training, discussing what is to come in 2026 at Evolve Psychology and with and networking with our colleagues 🤝

Address

Harrogate
HG12PW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441423637818

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Evolve Psychology Services Ltd posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Evolve Psychology Services Ltd:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Evolve Psychology Services welcomes you.

Evolve Psychology Services was launched in 2014 by Dr Laura Powling. As an independent psychology and neurodevelopmental practice they offer Clinical and Forensic psychological assessments, therapy and training for adults, young adults and families.

They are a friendly, professional and experienced team working with schools, businesses and families to offer courses and training across a range of areas. Their offices in Harrogate create a relaxed environment for face to face appointments and they also work with legal practices, parole boards and prison services around the country.